Tuslob Buwa and Street Food at Big Brain

Share this: 

Try some flavorful tuslob buwa at Big Brain in Kasambagan, Cebu City.

Filipinos are very resourceful with their food. Many delicacies from the Philippines are made from unusual ingredients like animals’ internal organs, and among them is a Cebuano specialty that has become a rather famous food trip favorite. 

Tuslob Buwa is a bubbly gravy-like substance made out of a pig’s brain, cooked with a variety of spices to add to its flavor. It is commonly eaten by dipping puso (hanging rice) into the gravy for a delectable, meaty taste.

It was previously sold in Pasil and Suba in Cebu City, but over the years, it has become one of the most famous Cebu food delicacies, expanding to other locations around the island.

One establishment, in particular, offers a unique ambiance as you enjoy the famous tuslob buwa.

INDULGING ON STREET FOOD AT BIG BRAIN


This new restaurant in Cebu offers a relaxing spot for dining al fresco.

Aside from having one of the wittiest names for a tuslob buwa establishment, Big Brain creates a relaxing atmosphere for dining al fresco.  

Their main branch is located within a residential area in the uptown neighborhood of Kasambagan. They also sell their selection of scrumptious street food every night at the IL Corso Food Yard.

The Kasambagan branch has a minimalistic ambiance, with the stone structure housing the kitchen retaining its unpainted gray colors. The restaurant’s logo can be found on the side, shining bright once the sun goes down.

Big Brain’s outdoor dining setup is covered with a roof to protect you from the heat of the sun or the rain, and a big open area lets customers walk around and take photos.

Coconut trees stand by each corner of the restaurant, creating an island-like atmosphere. Lights connected to the tree’s branches illuminate the spacious area and create an atmospheric vibe at night.

COOKING TUSLOB BUWA

Tuslob Buwa
Poso with Tuslob Buwa


Tuslob buwa is one of Cebu’s most famous exotic dishes.

An order of tuslob buwa at Big Brain is good for two people. You will be given a butane stove, a wok, 10 pieces of puso, and small cups containing spices for the gravy, such as garlic, onions, and the pig brain.

Cooking tuslob buwa is similar to Korean sampgyupsal, as you do the cooking yourself right at your table. 

Turn on the butane stove, put in the oil, the spices, and the brains to cook. Soy sauce gives the gravy its brown color, while also adding more flavor. 

As it cooks, the gravy starts to boil, creating a bubbling effect. This is where the name “tuslob buwa” comes from, as “tuslob” in Cebuano means to dip, while “buwa” refers to something bubbling.

As it boils, take pieces of your puso and dip them right in. Make sure to get enough of the gravy to maximize its flavor.

This exotic dish isn’t the restaurant’s only food offering. You can also get side dishes to pair with the gravy. Many of these are commonly found in sidewalk diners and grilling restaurants around the city.

Calamari at Big Brain
Chicken skin from Big Brain

Their calamari is delicious with its dressing, giving it a sweet flavor. You’re also going to love their chicken skin with its crunch exterior that you can dip into some vinegar.

Ginabot is also a popular menu item. Similar to chicken skin, this is best paired with vinegar and puso.  

The dish is made out of pork intestines and shaped like a flower. This is a go-to budget-friendly dish you can find along sidewalk eateries called pungko-pungko

For only Php 200, you can enjoy a delicious meal of tuslob buwa with a partner or friend. Side dishes are also competitively priced, so this new diner could be the perfect budget-friendly eatery for you.

If you’re tired of spending way too much on fine dining and want to experience something different, Big Brain would be a great addition to your list of go-to affordable restaurants in the city.

It’s always fun to try out the best of the city’s cuisine in small-scale establishments, since there’s also a level of authenticity that adds to the experience. 

Local cuisine doesn’t have to be eaten on major streets and highways. Sometimes, local businesses can create an ambiance to make it more memorable and worthwhile.

HOW TO GET THERE

Exact Location:

Villa Aurora Tennis Court, Pres. Laurel St, Cebu City

Operating Hours:

4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

If you wish to commute to the restaurant, ride a jeepney going to F. Cabahug Street. You can get off at RedDoorz Mabolo along the highway.

From there, you can walk to the restaurant. Make sure to use navigation apps like Google Maps to guide you. You can also bring a private vehicle since the restaurant has a spacious parking area.

Share this: 

Other posts

Man carrying a backpack of travel essentials waiting to cross the street in Cebu City

10 Convenient Travel Essentials to Bring When Going to Cebu

Your travel essentials are there to ensure a safe and convenient trip. Everyone loves a quick getaway, but visiting another country can be daunting. But with the right preparation, the whole experience can be a breeze. Having the right travel essentials at your disposal can give you the peace of mind you need. Knowing what

Read More
Two men riding a habal-habal in Cebu

How Regulating Habal-Habal Drivers Can Help Cebuanos

The Cebu City government may finally regulate the habal-habal transportation service. In Cebu, you MUST know about the local motorcycle taxis called habal-habal. This informal form of public transportation in the Philippines is commonly used in rural towns and far-flung areas with few public transport options. This consists of riders carrying passengers on the back

Read More
Collage of famous Cebuano dishes

Irresistible Cebuano Dishes You Should Try at Least Once

Of all the scrumptious Filipino dishes in the Philippines, which ones scream Cebuano? The Queen City of the South is a haven for Filipino restaurants, but it may be difficult to distinguish which dish or delicacy is originally from Cebu. The island is one of the oldest settlements in the country and was the birthplace

Read More
Dancers and participants performing at the Bon Odori Festival

The Return of Bon Odori: Exploring Rich Japanese Culture

The Bon Odori Festival is a cultural exchange between Cebu and Japan. As we all know, Japan has a rich history and culture. This Asian powerhouse is filled with iconic dishes, world-renowned tourist spots, and art forms that have taken over pop culture. The Land of the Rising Sun also has one of the oldest

Read More
A spacious public parking lot

Why More Public Parking Spaces are Essential in Cebu City

Cebu City will soon have better venues for public parking. For many Cebuanos, it’s about time that more public parking spaces were made available in the different areas of Cebu City.  Cebu City officials have plans to set up public parking buildings in urbanized areas like downtown Cebu, as the city council amended its zoning

Read More
Wide shot of the MCIA, Asia's best airport

Routes 2023 Award: MCIA is Asia’s Best Airport

Mactan Cebu International Airport garnered another design award in 2023. CEBU, Philippines – The Mactan-Cebu International Airport was hailed Asia’s best under the “5 Million-Passenger Category” during the Routes Asia Award. MCIA and GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) representatives received the award during the awarding ceremony held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on February 15, 2023. 

Read More

Best of Cebu Videos

Cebu Insights Logo

Seeking to learn more about Cebuano culture, or wanting to know what to do once you arrive, Cebu Insights is the travel guide for you in Cebu!

Contact Us

How to be Featured

Do you want to be featured on our blogs and social media platforms? Cebu Insights is open to writing insightful articles and videos about your business FOR FREE!

Visit the Cenix Web Development Office on the 3rd Floor of the 82 Vibo Center, North Escario Street, Cebu City, and tell us about your newly opened attraction!

You can also leave us an email at cebutravelinsights@gmail.com or message us on any of our social media platforms.

Salamat!

Scroll to Top
×
Weather Forecast
Exchange Currency
Cebu City
82°
Mostly Cloudy
5:22 am6:04 pm PST
Feels like: 91°F
Wind: 6mph WSW
Humidity: 83%
Pressure: 29.83"Hg
UV index: 0

Exchange Rate USD: Wed, 7 Jun.